Get College, Career, and Financial Aid Support at NYC's Public Libraries

As teens start to think about next steps, apply for financial aid for college, and brush up their resumes in preparation for entering the workforce, NYC's public libraries are here to provide support and clear information.


The 3-K and Pre-K Applications for Fall 2025 are Open!

From January 15, 2025 until February 28, 2025, NYC families with children born in 2022 can apply to 3-K programs and children born in 2021 can apply to Pre-K programs for the 2025–26 school year. Learn more about this year's admissions processes, including suggested tips and tools that you can use to discover and select programs, and submit your application!


    Stay Healthy This Winter

    With winter in full swing, learn more about the resources available to you and your family that can help boost your physical and mental health all season long.


    Give Back to Your Community during the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—this year being celebrated on Monday, January 20—is also designated as a National Day of Service, when all Americans are encouraged to volunteer in their communities. With NYC public schools and offices closed to mark the holiday, this is a great time to get involved and give back to your neighborhood.


    The Month Ahead (January 2025)

    See what's in store for NYC Public Schools in January 2025. Key dates include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lunar New Year, and the start of 2025 3-K/Pre-K admissions.


    Apply to Run for NYC’s Education Councils by February 16

    The 2025 Community and Citywide Education Council Election season has begun! If you are a parent or legal guardian interested in shaping education policies and priorities in New York City and in your community, you can apply to run for a seat on your education council until February 16. 

    Opportunities for Students (January 2025)

    Kick off the new year with these outstanding learning opportunities, programs, and scholarships available for City students! See what's available for NYC public school students this month and beyond, and register/apply for them today!


    Parents: Support Your Child's Education By Serving Your School Community

    Families are our schools' closest partners in helping New York City public school students to learn and thrive. Learn how you can support your child's education and serve your school community by volunteering for events, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), Community and Citywide Education Councils (CCECs), and more!


    What We're Reading

    Monday, January 20 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Each year, we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday by honoring his work as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and his dedication to nonviolence in the fight against racism. With schools closed for the holiday, we encourage families to take some time this week to learn more about Dr. King’s life; these books for all ages help teach about Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to justice, tell the stories of fellow activists who worked alongside Dr. King in his pursuit of equal rights, and explore the legacy that he left behind. 

    Image of two students reading.

    Early Readers (3K–Grade 2)

    • Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You, by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by James E. Ransome  
    • Coretta, by Coretta Scott King; illustrated by Ekua Holmes
    • Let the Children March, by Monica Clark-Robinson; illustrated by Frank Morrison  
    • March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World, by Christine King Darris; illustrated by London Ladd
    • Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by Doreen Rappaport; illustrated by Bryan Collier  

    Elementary (Grades 3–5)

    • Martin Rising: Requiem for a King, by Andrea Davis Pinkney; illustrated by Brian Pinkney
    • Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968, by Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
    • More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long
    • My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement, by Willie Mae Brown
    • A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation, by Barry Wittenstein; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

    Middle School (Grades 6–8)

    • Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day, by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood; illustrated by Steffi Whitehall  
    • Marching to the Mountaintop: How Poverty, Labor Fights, and Civil Rights Set the Stage for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Hours, by Ann Bausum
    • Threads of Peace, by Uma Krishnaswami
    • Troublemaker for Justice, by Jacqueline Houtman, Walter Naegle, and Michael G. Long
    • We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963, by Shelia P. Moses

    Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)

    • And We Rise, by Erica Martin
    • Dear Martin, by Nic Stone
    • Into the Streets: A Young Person’s Visual History of Protest in the United States, by Marke Bieschke
    • March: Book One, by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
    • Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March, by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock, and Susan Buckley 

    You can find these books and many more great reads on Sora, our Citywide Digital Library, which provides free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students. You can also find even more great recommendations in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement Collection.

    Missed our previous book recommendations?
    Check them out in the "What We're Reading" Archive!


    SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS

    At the start of 2025, we’re looking back at one of our favorite memories from 2024: the first Climate Action Day of the 2024–25 school year! With a focus on reducing waste in their schools, students across the City participated in a variety of fun and educational activities, and helped clean up their schools and communities in the process. 

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    Students show off their reusable water bottles for Climate Action Day.
    Students and teachers organize garbage.
    Students clean up litter outside of their school building.
    Students convert tshirts into tote bags.
    Students survey their cafeteria for waste.
    Students bring in reusable water bottles to school.

    An Introduction to Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos

    "I am honored and excited to be your new Chancellor. As a lifelong educator and mom of a New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) student, I am eager to work with and serve you."


    Opportunities for Students (April 2024)

    The opportunities just keep rolling in for NYC students.

    GIF of a panda slowly rolling down a grassy hill.

    Throughout April, organizations near and far are seeking City students for grants, scholarships, contests, classes, and even paid work! Thanks to institutions like New York UniversityCooper Union, the New-York Historical Society, and Columbia University, as well as organizations like NPR, Seeds of Fortune, All Star Code, and the First Tech Fund, students throughout the City will be able to discover their interests, develop key work and social skills, and even try something new this spring and summer!

    Check out the following list of opportunities available to City students in April 2024—click through any of the embedded links to learn more.


    Opportunities for Students in April 2024

    The opportunities listed below are ordered by their submission/registration deadline dates, with the most urgent deadlines listed first. For more information about any of their listings, please click through the corresponding links embedded in each entry.

     

    Pledge to Serve Your Community Throughout Youth Action Month

    For youth aged 14–18 years
    Throughout April 2024
    Contact nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov

     

    Register as a volunteer online in April

    NYC Service, in partnership with NYC Public Schools, is calling on City public school students, 14–18 years old, to get involved in their communities in celebration of Youth Action Month! Throughout April, City students can volunteer for any of the hundreds of service opportunities taking place across the five boroughs, including local gardening projects, park cleanups, and even virtual meetups to help senior citizens combat social isolation. 

    Visit NYC Service's Youth Action Month webpage to learn more about getting involved and making a difference in your community, and register for volunteer opportunities near you.

     

     

    Learn about Law Careers through the Kings County District Attorney's Office

    For youth ages 13 and up
    Runs on 4/9, 5/7, 5/21, and 6/4; 4:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
    Contact: Visit nyexploring.org/contactbusinessexploring

    Register today to reserve a spot

    The Kings County District Attorney's Office is inviting students to visit and gain insight into law careers directly from people currently in the industry. Every week, students will be able to participate in different interactive activities that help them better understand what it is like working in law.

    Check NYC Exploring's program calendar for more details about the sessions available at the Kings County District Attorney's Office.

     

     

    Create Mobile Apps and Win Prizes at Appathon 2024

    For high school students
    Takes place April 13, 10 a.m.—3 p.m., Fiterman Hall at CUNY/BMCC
    Cost: Free
    Contact Dr. Hao Tang: htang@bmcc.cuny.edu

    Register your spot before April 13

    On Saturday, April 13, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is hosting its free Appathon for High School Students, where City students, either individually or as part of teams, can create custom mobile apps to showcase for potential prizes! No programming experience is required, as mini-workshops will be held throughout Appathon to teach students how to become app creators.

    Appathon will be held at Fiterman Hall, located at 245 Greenwich Street in Manhattan—register your spot today via BMCC's online registration form.

     

     

    Discover Aviation Careers through the Exploring Program at LaGuardia Airport

    For youth ages 13 and up
    Runs on 4/18, and 5/16; 4:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
    Contact: Visit nyexploring.org/contactbusinessexploring

    Register today to reserve a spot

    Interested in learning more about aviation? Then register for NY Exploring's program at LaGuardia Airport! Through the program, students can get a tour of LaGuardia's runways, control tower, snow equipment, the American Airlines hangar, police and fire protection, and more!

    Check NYC Exploring's program calendar for more details about the sessions available at LaGuardia Airport.

     

     

    Become a Student Historian through the New-York Historical Society

    For students entering grades 10–12 in fall 2024
    Internship runs July 9—August 15; Tuesday—Thursday, 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
    Contact: hs.internships@nyhistory.org

    Deadline to Apply: April 7, 2024

    The New-York Historical Society (N-YHS) is accepting applications for its Student Historian Internship Program, where students use N-YHS resources to conduct research and to share what they've learned through creative digital projects. Interns will meet with professional staff members to learn about careers available within the museum, library, and history fields.  They will also work collaboratively with fellow students to develop their public speaking and leadership skills, and engage in hands-on work to deepen their understanding of American history. The theme of the internship is, "Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America."

    To learn more about the internship, including application requirements and other information, visit the Student Historian Internship Program's webpage, and submit your application by the deadline on April 7, 2024.

     

     

    Earn the Chance to Study Cyber Security for Free This Summer

    For students in grades 9–12
    Three-week program; Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. beginning July 15 and ending August 9
    Contact: university.programs@nyu.edu

    Deadline to Apply: April 14, 2024

    New York University's Tandon School of Engineering is offering NYC students currently in high school (grades 9–12) the chance to participate in their Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) summer program, a three-week summer program that introduces students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science, regardless of prior experience. During the program, students will learn topics including "white-hat" hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, data usage, and other, cyber-related issues. Students will also learn how to use various software tools and behavioral science techniques used to detect cyber threats and investigate their origins and purposes.

    Visit NYU's official CS4CS page to learn more about the summer program, and apply by April 14 to be considered for placement.

     

    View of right wing on a passenger airplane from the inside of the plane.

    Through NY Exploring, students aged 13 and up can register for a tour of LaGuardia Airport (taking place on 3/21, 4/18, and 5/16) and see the airport's runways, control tower, equipment, and hangars up close and in person! (Photo by Tom Fisk via Pexels

     

    Learn How to Receive Key Investments for Your Business Ideas

    For grade 11 students who identify as young women
    Runs year-round
    Contact: hello@seedsoffortune.org

    Register by April 17, 2024

    The Girls Start Up Accelerator by Seeds of Fortune is a one-year program that helps qualified high school students access the tools, resources, and networks necessary to supercharge their social impact ideas with venture capital investments. Through the program, students are provided opportunities to formulate their business ideas, develop their skills, and obtain key feedback and funding streams that can turn their ideas into action.

    Visit the Girls Start Up Accelerator program page to learn more and apply by April 17, 2024.

     

     

    Fast-Track Your Coding Skills through All Star Code's Summer Coding Program

    For students in grades 9–12 who identify as young men of color
    Choice between a three-week program and a six-week one; July 8—August 16 (both sessions)
    Contact: apply@allstarcode.org

    Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2024

    The organization, All Star Code, is seeking high school-aged students who identify as young men of color to participate in their Summer Coding Program taking place from July 8—August 16, 2024. Through this program, participating students will develop a solid foundation in coding and gain insights into the tech industry, regardless of prior coding experience.

    Applicants have the choice between two cycles for this program: a three-week sprint (July 8—26 or July 29—August 16) aimed at students who are seeking a quick, immersive dive into coding and tech; or a six-week marathon (July 8—August 16) that delves further into coding and enables students to develop comprehensive coding skills, complete a significant project, and gain access to industry experts for advice and mentorship.

    Visit All Star Code's Summer Coding Program webpage to learn more, and apply online by April 19.

     

     

    Create the Next 'Can't Miss' Podcast for NPR's 2024 Student Podcast Challenge

    For students in grades 4–12; teachers must register on behalf of their students.
    Contest judging period runs May 6–May 31; winners will be announced June 2024
    Entries to be submitted by teachers

    Submission Deadline: May 3, 2024

    Think you have what it takes to create the hottest new podcast? NPR is inviting students around the country in grades 4–12 to participate in their Student Podcast Challenge; simply make a podcast on your own (or with your fellow students) that's between three and eight minutes long, and submit it through NPR's Podcast Challenge webpage for a chance to be featured on NPR's news magazines and content channels!

    Just note that students who would like to participate in this contest need to have a teacher help them through NPR's submission process. Visit NPR's Student Podcast Challenge webpage for official rules, submission guidelines, and sample student podcasts, and submit your entry by May 3, 2024.

     

     

    Apply for the Cooper Union's Jeff and Paula Gural Merit Scholarship for NYC Public High School Students

    For students who will be in grades 10–12 by fall 2024
    Session runs July 8–August 1; Mondays—Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
    Scholarship pays for The Cooper Union's Summer Art Intensive 2024
    Contact: summerartintensive@cooper.edu

    Deadline to Apply: May 6, 2024

    The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive 2024 offers 16 high school students who are currently in grades 9–11 with the opportunity to be a part of a college environment where they can immerse themselves in the arts alongside other students who have a passion for art and design. Students in the program can take courses in Drawing, Animation, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, and Studio Practice (for rising seniors). 

    While the Summer Art Intensive program typically charges tuition ($4,000, along with a $240 registration fee), the Jeff and Paul Gural Merit Scholarship for NYC Public High School Students is a merit-based scholarship program that provides students of NYC Public Schools with the outstanding chance to attend the Summer Art Intensive at no cost. Applicants are required to complete an application and upload up to 5 images of artwork made within the last two years.

    Learn more about the Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive by visiting the program's website, and see all details about the Jeff and Paula Gural Merit Scholarship on the the official webpage.

     

    Two teenage girls sitting at a round table together and talking with one another
    Through Seeds of Fortune's Girls Start Up Accelerator program, high school students who identify as women can gain access to tools, resources, and networks in order to come up with business ideas, obtain feedback, and funding for their proposals. (Photo by Christina Morillo via Pexels.)

     

     

    Join a Fellowship of Innovation Research

    For students currently in grade 10
    Runs throughout grade 11 and 12
    Contact: hello@seedsoffortune.org

    Deadline to Apply: May 8, 2024

    Gain leadership skills and make a positive impact in your community through Seeds of Fortune's Innovation Research Fellowship for current high school sophomores. Through this hybrid program, students will be matched with Fortune 500 companies alongside other students to research and advocate for their communities while also helping corporations engage more deeply with local communities.

    Students accepted into the program will create virtual consultant groups with a partner corporation for 10 weeks in the spring and summer of their junior year. In the fall and spring of senior year, students will receive assistance with the college application process.

    Industries that will be represented throughout this fellowship include healthcare, beauty, tech, finance, and more.

    Visit Seeds of Fortune's Innovation Research Fellowship webpage to learn more about the program, apply by May 8, 2024.


     

    Join the First Tech Fund High School Fellowship

    For students in grades 10–12
    Fellowship runs September 2024—June 2025
    Contact: info@firsttechfund.com

    Deadline to Apply: May 12, 2024

    The First Tech Fund is recruiting students for their free yearlong high school fellowship program. Fellows will participate in weekly virtual workshops around careers and foundational digital skills for the future, be eligible to receive free technology depending on their needs (laptop and/or Wifi hotspot), and can opt into mentorship with a young professional.

    Learn more and apply on the First Tech Fund Fellowship Program's webpage.

     

     

    Prepare for Careers in Medicine and STEM This Summer Through S-PREP

    For students in grades 7–12
    Summer session runs in July, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.
    Contact: sprep-ps@cumc.columbia.edu

    Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2024

    Columbia University's State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free high school and college preparatory program designed for students in grades 7–12 who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or in related STEM fields. Courses include, but are not limited to anatomy, biochemistry, organic chemistry, brain and cognitive science, pre-med, physics, psychology, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics. In addition, students admitted to S-PREP are eligible to apply for summer research programs for high school students that are run by the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    To learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, visit S-PREP's webpage. Apply by May 15 in order to be considered for this free program.

     

     

    Get Introduced to Architecture through the Cooper Union's Online Summer Program

    For students currently in grades 10–12
    Online sessions run July 8–August 9, Monday–Thursday, 9 p.m.—4 p.m.
    Cost: $2,980, with a $40 application fee. Scholarships/aid not available.
    Contact: architecture.summer@cooper.edu

    Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2024 (early applications are encouraged!)

    The Cooper Union's Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture is offering a five-week summer intensive program designed to familiarize high school students with architectural thinking and design while developing a portfolio of completed projects. The program, which takes places online, includes lectures, workshops, and tutorials by Cooper faculty. Students will receive instruction in various tools and media, including digital drawing and model-making techniques, analysis and representation, computer modeling and fabrication.

    Students interested in this program will need to complete an application. Note that this program is evaluating and accepting applicants on a competitive rolling basis as space allows—so applying as early as possible is encouraged. Also, please note that students accepted into this program are required to have access to a PC or a Macintosh computer for the duration of the program.

    To learn more and start your application, visit the Cooper Union's official Introduction to Architecture for High School Students Online page.

     

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    For more opportunities like these, stop by right here on The Morning Bell every month during the school year—and don't forget to share this post with your friends, family, and colleagues!

    On behalf of NYC Public Schools, we wish all of our students success as they pursue these outstanding opportunities all spring long!

     


    Banner/lead photo by MART PRODUCTION. Original can be found on Pexels.

    The Kindergarten Application for Fall 2025 is Open!

    The kindergarten application is now open for fall 2025! Learn about tips and tools you can use to discover and select programs, and submit your application today!

    Graphic saying to apply to kindergarten by January 24


    A MySchools.nyc Tutorial: Learn the Basics

    Throughout any stage of New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) application processes for 3-K, Pre-K, Kindergarten, middle school, high school, and Gifted and Talented (G&T) for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, you can use MySchools.nyc—learn how to today!

    A screenshot of the MySchools homepage

      Nominate Your Favorite Educator for the 2025 Big Apple Awards and Meet the 2024 Recipients!

      Celebrate 2024's Big Apple Award winners, and nominate the next group of amazing teachers who are making a difference in our schools! Nominate your favorite teacher by Tuesday, January 21, 2025.


      Prepare for Remote Learning

      In the event that weather conditions or other emergencies require the temporary closure of public school buildings, students will participate in remote learning at home. Make sure your family is ready with these tips and answers to frequently asked questions.


      Stay Informed with a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)

      With a NYCSA, you can:

      • Access your child's school information on the go
      • See your student’s grades, test scores and more
      • Complete important forms
      • Take classes in Parent University
      • Get technology support through SupportHub

       


      Ready to Read: Literacy Resources for Families

      NYC Reads is reshaping the way that we teach our students to read, but the learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door! Whether it's a family book club or a phonics-based 20 questions game, you can bring the "science of reading" home by using any of our helpful resources that will help your children continue to develop their literacy skills, like: 

      • Reading Games
      • Phonics, Vocabulary, and Storytelling Practice
      • And more!

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